Tooth Loss Related to Dementia

Tooth loss linked to dementia was the end result of a British Dental Health Foundation study involving over 4200 participants. Indeed, those participants who have lost teeth were at an increased risk of early stage dementia. All participants were over 65 years of age and had undergone a dental evaluation and the psychological assessment used to determine dementia. In fact, the majority of participants who had tooth loss and dementia revealed that they rarely went to a dentist for professional dental cleanings and, in several cases they did not visit a dentist at all. Learn more about oral health!

Researchers contend that gum infections which can lead to tooth loss, can release inflammatory agents that can create brain inflammation which causes neuron death and consequential, memory loss. It is already known that the loss of sensory receptors linked to tooth loss also relates to the death of certain neurons in the brain. Gum infections are only one of the systematic illnesses that are linked to dementia. By the same token, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

So, it’s best to follow a healthy oral health routine to reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and dementia. This includes: brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove plaque, dental flossing at least once a day, and semi- annual dental check-ups with professional dental cleaning. These check-ups may be required to occur more often if you have signs of gum disease. Additional types of treatment may also be required, such as, root planning and scaling if you have gingivitis, the precursor for gum disease. Certain dentists offer biofilm treatment to reduce bacterial pathogens in the oral cavity.

Heart disease, strokes, diabetes, lung disease and low birth weight babies have also been linked to poor oral health. So, there are many reasons to preserve your oral health today! People with gum disease in Austin can benefit from Dr. Sweeney’s advanced treatments!